EXCLUSIVE: How $5M makes a Great American Makeover

Aug. 3, 2013

The problem: Padding is worn out and that can be dangerous for players. Estimated cost to repair: $120,000 The fix: Replace them. / The Enquirer/Gary Landers

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In the wake of plans to spend almost $5 million to fix up Great American Ball Park for the 2015 All-Star Game, the Enquirer got an exclusive, up-close look at exactly what’s needed.

All repairs are to problems fans might see when visiting the park, but it’s not fancy stuff. Reds officials worked with the county’s stadiums director on the list of repairs that are estimated to cost $4.4 million. A county memo obtained by The Enquirer earlier this week suggested budgeting $5 million overall.

Half the total cost for repairs to the ballpark, which opened in 2003, will go toward painting, waterproofing and concrete replacement. The request comes now because the work must be bid out and done when weather permits and there’s not a home game.

Great American Ball Park and the Bengals’ Paul Brown Stadium are county-owned, their $1 billion cost paid for with a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1996. Part of the deal with the teams is that the county give each team $1 million a year for repairs and capital projects, although the county is responsible for all capital repairs no matter the cost.

There’s $3 million in the Reds’ capital repair fund right now. The Reds are seeking an advance on two years’ worth of money due them under the lease.

The decision to grant the advance is up to the three-member board of commissioners. A discussion is expected in the coming weeks, but the two Republican commissioners have publicly said they’re not sure the money is available to advance.

Reds COO Phil Castellini said the team has deferred some maintenance in an effort to save the county money, but it is time the repairs are made.

“Expediting this already planned maintenance is a prudent thing to do as it will allow our community to be viewed in the best light possible when we have the honor of hosting the All-Star Game in 2015,” he said.

I’m your Hamilton County watchdog. I tell you what your elected officials are doing and keep track of how they spend your tax dollars. Email me at scoolidge@enquirer.com